Pretty impressive detail for 1/700 - the bridge details as good as on 1/550 (Nichimo) molds, and the 5" gun shields even better. Not quite up to resin capabilities - not the really good mfrs, anyway - with the possible exception of the diamond-star textures, which appear to be just awesome (and the deck planking, which I can't see). Plus, there are no seam lines, anywhere, from what I can see.

Interesting you should mention code-breaking with the sub attack, Donny - USS Skate SS-305, near Truk, on 12/25/43 - I looked it up, and that's just exactly what is claimed: http://www.combinedfleet.com/yamato.htm And it's (now) clarified that indeed the armor was only penetrated (though it may have been by two torpedoes, not just one).

In any case, I do appreciate these pics - of course you "love us" ( - and you're going to, a lot more after tomorrow - or the next day - when you discover what's in your mailbox, budy)! I'm particularly impressed with your masking/paint job on the deck. It would've taken me 3 hours to do that alone!

Speaking of which, I've been workin' on my Boxer - knocking out the details all the way up through the island - so it's all coming along, and will have pics of this weekend's progress, pretty soon.

Cheers,

-Matty